Evil West
Developer Flying Wild Hog
Publisher Focus Entertainment
Format PC, PS4, PS5 (tested), Xbox One, Xbox Series
Release Out now
We’re almost disappointed when the first gun shows up. As Jesse Rentier, son of William, vampire hunter, and a man who definitely strikes matches on his stubble, we’ve been having a jolly old time pummelling otherworldly creatures into a paste with our metal gauntlet. The six-shooter, however, turns out to be more like a special with a cooldown – albeit a useful crowd-control option, given that these creatures of the night lack the decorum and sense of fair play to take turns attacking you. The same applies to the subsequent ranged weapons you’re given – arifle is naturally useful for distant and airborne opponents, and we’re sure we don’t need to tell you what effect a shotgun can have on an encroaching pack. But the focus remains on your fists, which helps make Evil West the best game dedicated to punching things since God Hand.